August 1, 2019
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
Today a group of our middle school students are headed to MUUUCE (Pronounced “moose”). MUUUCE stands for the “Most Unbelievable, Ultimate, Urban, Camping Experience.” This high-energy, fast-moving, multi-day event is filled with Valleyfair, epic games, live worship, great teaching, friends, food, and fun all designed to give middle schoolers and junior highers a chance to connect with each other, their leaders, and God.
Part of the reason I’m so excited for these students isn’t just that I had the privilege of coordinating MUUUCE for a handful of years, but because of how God moved in my daughter Lydia at MUUUCE in 2016. When she returned home from the event on Saturday, she said that she had a great time but otherwise she was a little quiet. This is completely normal if you know her. That Sunday evening as we walked our dogs, she told me how she loved the chapel meetings. The speaker related to them and challenged them to believe and follow Jesus. When I asked her more about that, she said she was really thinking and praying hard about what it would mean to commit her life to Jesus. She wanted to be sure. I thanked her for sharing such an important decision with me and said I would love to talk more if she wanted.
In typical Lydia style, she didn’t talk more about it, but she did come to me less than two weeks later and said she wanted to be baptized at our outdoor service at the end of August. I think I kept the tears of joy back at that moment, and said, “absolutely, you must have made a decision then?”
“Yes, I want to give Jesus my whole life.”
I am honored and humbled to stand with each person in the waters of baptism but I was especially honored that day.
Is Jesus leading you to be baptized? Do you have questions about baptism? We have an opportunity to be baptized soon. Contact one of our staff, we would love to talk more with you.
Peace and joy,
Rob
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First
The first Sunday of the month, we donate food for Westview Elementary School staff to distribute from a “food locker” to hungry families. To help, head to the store for healthful, non-perishable food and bring it to church this Sunday. Gift cards in any amount to Cub, Wal-Mart or Target will also be greatly appreciated since they help families purchase meat and fresh produce. Cash, check, and designated online donations go to The Sheridan Story program that puts a weekend meal in participating students’ backpacks every Friday of the school year.
Moms and Daughters Small Group
Aug 12, 26
Moms and their preteen girls in grades 5-8 are invited to join us as we go through the book Treasured led by Kara Rasmussen & Chrystine Vilhauer. Treasured is a 6-session faith-based study designed to connect moms and daughters around topics critical to the preteen years: identity, body, emotions, friendships, technology, and faith. We will meet from 6:30-8:00pm at the home of Kara, Ava (7th) and Annie (5th) Rasmussen in Apple Valley. For questions or to join contact KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Outdoor Worship – August 25
We’ll have our annual outdoor worship service at Crystal Beach Park in Burnsville on Sunday, August 25 at 10am. We’ll worship together, celebrate believer baptisms at the lake and then spend time in community over a picnic lunch. This is a great opportunity to invite someone to church in a beautiful setting outside in God’s creation. Grilled meat, beverages, chips, condiments, and dinnerware will be provided. Last names A-L, please bring a SIDE or SALAD to share; M-Z please bring a DESSERT to share. We recommend bringing lawn chairs for your comfort. Bring some games to play too! Note there will not be Restoration Kids that Sunday so kids can enjoy worship with their families.
Baptism and Dedication at Restoration
Did you know Believer Baptism is a picture of how Jesus has changed your life and a response to God’s redeeming love for us? If God has been working in your life, have you considered being baptized? We will do believer baptisms at our outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 25. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org or contact the church office.
Serve in Church
Please pray about and consider serving in one of the areas of critical need within our church. Whether you’re already serving or considering where you can best bless our church, thank you for sharing your much needed gifts! Look for a list of additional serving opportunities on our website at HERE and at the Info Table in the lobby on Sundays. Please feel free to contact the person in charge of the area in which you’re most gifted or interested.
Join the Setup Team
Are you a behind-the-scenes type of person ready to serve alongside other men and women at Restoration? Do you know someone who could serve in this capacity? If you’re willing to move chairs, do light lifting, and set up the stage and worship area once a month on Sunday mornings, then you’d be a valuable asset on the set up team. At Restoration, the set up team creates the environment where people can encounter God. Michael Van Dyken, the team leader, is looking for volunteers to to serve. To learn more, contact him through setup@restorationcov.org.
Small Groups
Many of our small groups take a break over the summer months. However there are a couple of groups that continue to meet. The Men’s Group meets weekly on Saturday mornings at 7am at the Ministry Center and the Second Stage Group meets biweekly Sundays nights at 6pm in host homes. Both groups are open to join at anytime. There are also several connection opportunities for men, women, and families throughout the summer. For more information about these opportunities or if you’re interested in joining or starting a small group, Kara would love to talk to you! Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm at the Klatts’ home
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Lunch
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm
Meeting at Culver’s on Galaxie Ave. August 11
MONDAY
Moms and Daughters Small Group
Mondays, 6:30-8pm at the Rasmussens’ home
Studying Treasured
Led by Kara Rasmussen and Chrystine Vilhauer
SATURDAY
Men’s Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of 1 John
Led by Chad White
Pray or Receive Prayer
Are you gifted at prayer or do you have a prayer request that you’d like to share with our prayer team? We believe in the power of prayer and know that God is listening. We would love to pray for you. If you’re interested in joining the prayer team or have any prayer requests, send them to our prayer team at prayer@restorationcov.org
RESTORATION KIDS
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
Play & Pray
August 7, 21
Looking to connect with other parents and kids this summer? Parents, bring your kids, your friends, and your friends’ kids to Apple Grove Park (by the fire station at CR42 and Hayes) from 9:30-11:30am. The kids enjoy themselves at the park while the grown-ups talk about the things going on in their lives and share prayer requests. Play and Pray mornings are an easy way to be in community with each other during the summer months. Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
What We’re Learning in August
Preschoolers
Mining for gold has been around ever since humans discovered that first glittering speck of rock. What’s even better than gold? It’s the Bible! It teaches us that God loves us all the time. It teaches us that God loves us so much He gave us Jesus to be our friend forever. It teaches us how to live our best life. And, it teaches us how to share our stuff. The teachings in the Bible are worth more to us—are more valuable in this life—than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. At the end of the day, learning how God, our Creator, wants us to live is worth way more than anything money can buy. So grab a Bible, and get ready. We’re going on a treasure hunt! We want to begin to uncover some nuggets of truth and set our preschoolers on a lifelong search for treasure—the kind of treasure that is better than gold.
“Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” Psalm 119:72 NCV
Elementary
In August, elementary kids will be talking about obedience. God is the creator of the world. He’s in charge of everything. We show that we trust God by obeying Him and His plan for our life. Jesus showed the ultimate act of obedience when He chose to obey His Father’s plan to die for our sins.
“The way we show our love is to obey God’s commands. He commands you to lead a life of love. That’s what you have heard from the beginning.” 2 John 6, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
High School Sunday Nights
August 11, 25
“We use the word ‘love’ all the time. But do we really know what that means? Jesus laid down His life on the cross for us. Do you know what that means!? He gave up His life so we could know what real life, and what real love is all about. The best way we can show His love to others is by giving of ourselves for them. How are you ‘laying down your life’ for the people around you?” Students grades 9-12 will be meeting at the Svarens’ home to study and discuss the book Love Out Loud by Doug Fields. Join us Sunday evenings from 6:30-8pm. Contact students@restorationcov.org with questions.
Summer Middle School Group
August 4, 18
Students going into grades 6-9 this Fall begin Sunday mornings in the worship service then they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message. Contact students@restorationcov.org
Students Lake Party
August 14 | 5:30-9pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a night on Lac Lavon lake on Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30-9pm. Bring swimwear as we plan to go swimming, kayaking, and some beach activities. Meet us at the Beshara home in Apple Valley. Dinner will be provided, so come hungry. If you are able, bring $5 to help with food cost. Invite your friends! Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP, the address, or any other questions.
Wild Mountain
August 28 | 8:30am-5:30pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day at Wild Mountain on Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30am-5:30pm. Enjoy some crazy fun at the waterpark, alpine slides and go-karts. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and dry clothes. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 8:30am for departure via bus. We plan to return at 5:30pm. Cost is $40 for park ticket, transportation, and a supplied lunch; bring extra money if you want additional snacks while there. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in coming!
Join the Students Team
Do you have a passion for working with students? Are you interested in serving Restoration through our Wednesday Night Student Groups? We would love to hear from you! The students team is looking for adult men and women who would like to get involved in being a part of our team. We welcome anyone who loves God and loves the idea of working with students. Contact students@restorationcov.org
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.